How To Overgrip A Pickleball Paddle

You’ve just finished an exciting pickleball match at your neighborhood court. You might want to take off your sneakers and get ready to pack up and go home, your opponent’s paddle catches your eye. His handle looks very different from yours – thicker and wrapped in something that looks protective.

What you’re seeing is called an overgrip, and if you haven’t tried one, you’re missing out on a better pickleball experience.

In this article, we’ll break down what an overgrip is, how to overgrip a pickleball paddle, and how to choose the perfect one for you.

Have you ever seen those extra wraps on the handles of pickleball paddles? Those are overgrips! They’re like super thin, sticky layers that you can put on your paddle handle to make it more comfortable to hold, give you a better grip, and keep your hand from getting all sweaty.

You can put these overgrips on top of your regular handle or even a new one if you want. They’re like a cushion for your hand, making your paddle feel just right. Overgrips come in a variety of materials and textures so you can choose the one that feels best.

Many players use overgrips, especially when it’s hot and you’re sweating a lot. They help you keep a good grip on your racket even when things get intense on the court. So they’re like a little upgrade to your paddle, making it more comfortable and grippy.

Overgrips usually come in three types:

1. Tacky: These are like super sticky. They make sure your hand doesn’t slide around on the grip.
2. Dry: These are like moisture wizards. They absorb sweat so your grip stays dry and comfortable.
3. Textured: These are like a mix of sticky and dry. They have a bumpy surface that helps you grip the paddle, and they’re also good at wicking sweat.

While a simple accessory like an overgrip won’t magically turn you into a pro, it can improve your game in two simple ways.

First, it helps you grip the club better. Think of it as better grip control. In pickleball, where every move counts, a secure grip is a game-changer. With an overgrip, even sweaty hands won’t mess with your grip.

Second, it reduces vibration. When your club hits the ball, it can feel like a mini-earthquake in your hand, especially if you’re new to the game.

Overgrips act like shock absorbers, making your game more comfortable and longer lasting. It won’t make you an overnight champion, but it’s a step in the right direction.

What you will need to add an overgrip to your pickleball paddle:

• Pickleball Paddle
• Overgrip
• Pair of scissors
• Finishing tape (usually comes with the grip or overgrip)
• Pen (if needed)

First, remove the plastic cover from the overgrip.

Now look for the thinner, tapered end of the overgrip. It may have a small sticky section. This is the end you’ll use to start wrapping your grip.

Start by placing the tapered end on one of the bevels (the flat sides) of the grip. Wrap it around the handle once completely. Apply a little tension as you wrap to prevent wrinkles.

*Note: If you’re left-handed, the starting point would be on the opposite side where the original grip wraps.

After you’ve completed a full wrap around the butt cap, angle the overgrip downward at about 30 to 45 degrees. Continue to wrap the overgrip evenly around the grip. Make sure there’s some overlap between each layer.

*The exact amount of overlap is a matter of personal preference and may vary from player to player.

As you approach the end of the overgrip, you will notice that there is still a considerable length left. While some players choose to wrap it around and secure it with tape, this can result in a bulky feel at the top of the grip. To get a clean and polished look, we’re going to use scissors.

Here’s how:

Take your pen and mark a small dot where the top of the overgrip meets the end of the paddle grip. This mark will serve as your cutting guide.

Using scissors, carefully cut the overgrip along the marked line. Be precise to ensure a clean cut.

You’ll now have a tail similar to the one at the beginning of the overgrip. This will give a clean and professional look without adding unnecessary bulk to the top of the overgrip.

Continue to wrap the overgrip until the bottom of the overgrip aligns with the end of the paddle grip. Make another small dot at this point.

Gently unwind the grip and use your scissors to carefully cut along a straight line connecting the two dots you marked in the previous step.

Now rewrap the section you unraveled and use the finishing tape (included with the grip) to firmly secure the overgrip to the handle of the paddle. This will ensure that your overgrip stays in place and won’t move during play.

Now that we’ve got the lowdown on overgrips, let’s talk about how to choose the perfect one for you.

Here’s what you need to think about:

1. Comfort: Your overgrip should feel comfortable, even during marathon sessions. Not too thick, not too thin, and the material should be easy on your hands.
2. Durability: You don’t want it to fall apart after a few games, right? Look for a handle that can take a beating.
3. Feel: Some grips are sticky, others are drier. It’s a personal choice. Find out what works with your playing style.
4. Size: Make sure it fits your hand. If it’s too big, it won’t work.
5. Moisture absorption: If you sweat a lot or play in a humid climate, get a grip that can handle moisture. Keeps your palms dry, even in the heat of the game.
6. Easy application: Not everyone is a DIY pro. Choose an overgrip that’s a breeze to put on.
7. Quality materials: Cheaper grips wear out faster. Invest in a better one if you’re a regular player.
8. Style: Just because it’s functional doesn’t mean it can’t look cool. Many grips come in a variety of colors and designs, so your paddle can match your personality.
9. Price: You don’t have to splurge on the most expensive grip. Mid-range options work well for most players.

I hope this helps you understand how to wrap an overgrip onto your pickleball paddle handle. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask! Also, be sure to check out our How To Clean Pickleball Paddle guide for clean paddle cleaning.